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Speedway ace Darcy Ward issues apology after drink and drugs arrest

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B'mth bred wrote:
Don't see what all the fuss is about. He was on holiday with his mates , got drunk and smoked a joint. Sounds like most Brits abroad ideal holiday.
Lay off the kid, he has come clean, has been dealt a heavty fine and has apologised. He is young and needs support to help with his sudden stardom not criticism, otherwise his exceptional talent will be lost to UK speedway

He has 'come clean' only after this news report. The incident actually happened last year and the court case itself was initally reported on Feb 14. He only 'came clean' today - the day after the news story in the Echo. Coincidence? He is now - again, AFTER the news report - being offered help and support. So in a way, good will come out of this, otherwise who knows what serious mistakes and misjudgements were coming next? If he does make another blooper, it will most likely be reported again. And again. With greater news value. Nobody wants Speedway's Paul Gascoigne"

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Pirates ace Ward, 20, admitted a string of offences when he appeared in court in his native Australia, according to reports.

The report claimed Ward had been drinking and smoking marijuana when police attempted to pull him over in his home town of Camira. He is alleged to have fled on an unregistered and uninsured motorbike but was later located by officers. He is reported to have been fined $5,500.

Ward’s statement read: “In regards to the recent incident, which happened here in Australia on December 29, 2012.

“Firstly, I would like to offer my sincere apologies and explain to my fans, staff and committee members for the disappointment that I have caused to them as a result, and for the lack of trust in me that has subsequently resulted.

“I will do everything in my power to earn that trust back.

“Since the matter happened, I have been taking forward steps to get things on track again.

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“This was a one-off situation. What everybody is reading makes me into something I am not! I don’t do drugs! I made a mistake!

“I didn’t have any drugs in my possession, nor was I charged. I was the one that confessed to the police that I puffed on a joint earlier that night.

“I would please ask everybody to accept my sincere apology and understand this was a one-off situation.”

Explaining his view of the incident, Ward’s statement added: “I would also like to say that on the night, I was in a park behind my parents’ house on my 50cc mini bike with two mates when the police drove by and noticed us riding in the park.

“As I saw the police, I panicked and rode back down the alleyway to the house.

“Once the police came to the house, I did not hesitate to co-operate with them. As for the marijuana charge, it was something I did on the night and that night only. I am disappointed in myself but I need to move on and I am hoping that we can all do the same together.”

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